Contributor: Fred W. Styer

Business Title: Engineering Specialist

Contact Information:
Materials & Processes Engineering
United Space Alliance
8550 Astronaut Blvd. (Mail Code USK-507)
Cape Canaveral, Florida 32920-4304
Phone: 321 861 0473
Fax: 321 861 6622
Email address: fred.w.styer@usago.ksc.nasa.gov

 
Title of Presentation: Management of Ground Support Chemical Materials: Space Shuttle Program, Kennedy Space Center, Florida

Author: Fred W. Styer

Key Words: Chemical Tracking, Hazardous Materials Review, Material Safety Data Sheets, MSDS, MSDS Database, Chemical Space Shuttle, Shuttle Processing Contractor, NASA, Kennedy Space Center

Abstract:
Following the successful moon missions of the Apollo Program, establishing USA as the world leader in space exploration, NASA forged ahead with the next generation vehicle for manned space flight; a reusable space shuttle using a combination of solid propellant fuel and cryogenics. The design and manufacturing of this concept required the resources from over (8) primary element contractors managed from multiple NASA design centers. After the dust had settled, and the hardware had a proven track record, the rigors of ground service maintenance took form under a contract known as the "SPC" (Shuttle Processing Contractor). Suddenly, the task of maintaining flight system hardware from multiple manufacturers, along with their many hazardous "specialty" materials, became overwhelming to the work force. Standardization of material labeling and control for all chemical materials became a top priority.

A team of subject matter experts representing a wide range of disciplines pulled together and created a business system to address the need for standardization and program-wide control over arriving chemical consumables. The process began with the "requestor", establishing ownership of incoming chemicals before arrival. The requestor first completes a "Hazardous Material Review Request" (HMRR) form, which must receive full endorsement by a "review committee" (HMRC) prior to any procurement activity. The HMRC retained experts representing systems engineering, environmental safety and health, logistics engineering, procurement, and materials and processes engineering. All data is processed by the HMRC through an "intranet" database managed by environmental safety and health. Key elements from this database are then finally integrated into a labeling and tracking system fondly dubbed as the "CHEM Track" system.

To date, over 1,400 line items are managed through CHEM Track, incorporating specification attributes from the multitude of design element contractors who built the hardware. All chemical materials arriving at KSC’s "receiving inspection" depot are screened for HMRR approval, followed by the application of a standardized container label reflecting critical information, including manufacturer’s name, product name, part number, controlling specification, lot number, storage requirements, MSDS access number, and hazard communication standards (HMIS). Each container is then transferred to respective processing areas by way of bar code tracking, using the employee’s badge number for accountability until the material is fully consumed. Shelf life monitoring and updating is also controlled through CHEM Track by way of lot numbers, using a local laboratory to assist in extending the useful life of the material, and thereby assisting in waste prevention efforts so critical in today’s environment.